Paradise Lost as an EpicThe Oxford English Dictionary defines "cosmos" as "the world or universe as an orderly and harmonious system", from the Greek "kosmos," referring to an orderly and/or ornamental thing. Although Pythagoras is credited with first using this term to describe the Universe, probably because it is also the most commonly cited for ideas of harmony and Mundane Music, cosmos is generally contrasted with "chaos" - " the first state of the universe." ." In explaining the theology and cosmology of Paradise Lost, Milton writes "the heavens and the earth / Arose from Chaos", describing the transition from the formless mass to the ordered whole. (I:9-10) As far as this outlines the structure of the world, however, its culmination seems to appear in the Spirit, as Milton conceived it: the free, reasoning, integrated Consciousness. Although many have found a hero in the English epic from his dramatis personae - from Adam to Satan to himself God/Son - the most complete heroism seems to be that of Milton himself, as a manifestation of the most supreme of creations: the sound mind. Example where Milton's views on the sovereignty of the Spirit appear in some of the Archdevil's own conversations with his companions , which is rather ironic, considering that the story is an extrapolation of the Christian Scriptures. One of Satan's "companions" says, during a discussion after their exile from Heaven: Too well I see and regret the terrible event which, with sadness overthrow and foul defeat, Paradise has lost us, and all this mighty host In a horrible destruction set so low, As Gods and heavenly Essences may perish: for mind and spirit remain Invincible, and vigor soon returns, Though all our glory is extinguished, and the happy state Here swallowed up in endless misery (I: 135-140). The invincibility of "mind and spirit" is something that even the enemies of God understand. Although fallen angels corrupt their "Heavenly Essences" with disobedience and revolt, they still have a keen understanding of the powers of perception, reaction personal to one's environment - "for not even Spirits are damned/Lose all their virtue" (2: 482-483). Satan speaks boldly to his fellow men, asking, “What if the camp is lost?” Not all is lost: the invincible will. . .And the courage to never submit or give in (I:105-108).As a true hero, Satan refers to conquest and courage, a response to the tyranny he and his followers have received from the hand of God.